Friends of mine are planning a 6 day Kruger visit during May 2011 and their main interest for the planned trip is to see and experience/learn more of Kruger’s history while driving within the Park. They asked me which base camp(s) I would recommend that is most accessible or close to visit historical sites or drive past sites of historical interest and I wasn’t sure. I was thinking about Skukuza and Pretoriuskop maybe? Thank you for any advice.

I would recommend that one buys (or reads it at the Stevenson Hamilton library) the book "Neem Uit Die Verlede" - (see Indaba : Recommended Reading , there is a thread on the book) for a list and most interesting background information on many more historical sights .

_________________KNP is sacred.I am opposed to the modernisation of Kruger and from the depths of my soul long for the Kruger of yesteryear! 1000+km on foot in KNP incl 56 wild trails.200+ nights in the wildernessndloti-indigenous name for serval.

Yours is an interesting query and one would need to solicit more information from the persons in terms of what historical aspects are of interest. The park has a very rich and interesting history and although a lot is documented and available, it is not adequately communicated to interested persons. I agree with previous respondents that ThulaMela (Pafuri) and Masorini are key attractions in terms of early peoples that inhabited the area that is now KNP. In terms of the parks own conception and growth to maturity, Skukuza as the headquarters from early times has a lot to offer. Pretoriuskop is most interesting in that it was first tourist camp that was open all year round and until 1970's nearby Numbi was the main access point for guests to the park. This area has a rich pre-park history in that it was situated along an important trade route linking the port of Delagoa Bay (now Maputo) with the key towns in the old Transvaal Republic of Paul Kruger. The legendary dog, Jock of the Bushveld was born nearby and this site is accessible to general public. So too Punda Maria and Pafuri have a rich history in that Crooks Corner is nearby. I would suggest that you carefully research what you would like to see and read up about it before arrival.

If there are any further queries, you are welcome to contact me and others again.

Thank you very much for the information and advice, it is appreciated. From your advice I concluded that a person need to plan more specifically according to one’s interest as the historical aspect of Kruger is just too diverse to cover in 6 day

I am taking my 5 year old to the KNP next week for a week. What I need to find out, is WHERE is any memories of Jock. He loves Jock of the Bushveld and we will do the Voortrekker road etc, but I was hoping for more info, ie Statues etc.

As far as I know most of the history of Jock is found more or less on the Voortrekker road, his birthplace etc.I seem to also recall another plaque on the H2-2 on the other side of the tar H3 road as well.

The Samarhole spruit or Ship Mountain is a focal point of some of the major events in story of Jock.

Joined: Mon Sep 06, 2010 2:10 pmPosts: 101Location: Home in the UK again

Hi Stelliegp123,

There are several in the park. On the H2-2 just off H3 near Afsaal; H3 just opposite S133 turn-off, to name just two.

I also found one on the S25 going from B&D to Croc Bridge. It is between the Ben Viljoen plaque and Alf Roberts Trading Store marker.Mind you, that was in 2011. Hope it is still there.

My friend SanpFan introduced me to the book some years ago as an introduction to going to South Africa. Fascinating story and what a special life those pioneers lived. Having seen the country since, I can well understand their love for the land and their desire to spend so much time 'trekking' in it. Amazing to read that leopards were called tigers in those days.

The Skukuza library is full of Kruger history and a person can get spend many hours in that library. The collection of rare books that they have are quite something. The plaques that a person find when travelling the Kruger routes are interesting to read although the elements have not been kind to some of them.

Does anyone know whether the Skukuza library has been re-opened after the refurbishments?

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